13 Mari, a shipping industry startup dedicated to ship tuning solutions, is constantly looking for ways to increase the fuel efficiency of marine vessels, reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions and bringing savings for vessel owners and operators.

As of 2022, international shipping accounts for 3% of all greenhouse gas emissions globally, resulting in a push towards decarbonization of the shipping industry, spearheaded by various international regulations that are being phased in over the next few years.

New developments and promising companies entice forward-thinking investors with a promise of lucrative rewards and a chance to contribute to the future. In 2024, technology undoubtedly leads the charge as the top target sector for investors, followed by the healthcare and industrial sectors.

The Bulgarian-based startup 13 Mari develops innovative drag reduction solutions for improved fuel efficiency and cleaner waters. The company received coaching through the EU BlueInvest Readiness Assistance Programme and was able to secure more than USD 500,000 in funding.

The marine shipping industry is facing multiple key challenges, several of which relate to the use of fuel. These include rising fuel costs, new environmental regulations, and the push to decarbonize shipping. As the industry adopts Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, the International Maritime Organization is mandating measures to cut down on vessels' greenhouse gas emissions.

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) has announced an investment in 13 Mari, a US-based developer of drag reduction technologies designed to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by improving vessel efficiency. The ripple-shaped Flowsmart system, inspired by aircraft wings and automotive aerodynamics, is used to control water flow near the hull, reducing drag and improving performance.

Reducing vessel resistance, commonly known as drag, can decrease the amount of energy a vessel requires to move through water – thus reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, important steps in helping shipping address its decarbonisation challenges as well as manage costs. According to Krassi Fotev, Founder, CEO and Chief Scientist of 13 Mari, technology developed by his company can produce between 3 and 5% drag reduction. This could be increased to 7%, and possibly even higher, as the technology continues to evolve.

TOKYO-Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL; President & CEO: Takeshi Hashimoto) today announced that it has invested in 13 Mari Ltd. (Representative: Chief Executive Officer Krassimir Fotev, Headquarters: U.S. (Note 1)), a developer of ripple-shaped "Flowsmart" elements (Note 2) that are retrofitted to ships' hulls, with the goal of developing and providing new solutions for greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction.